The LOTR Sketchbook Review
Book: "The Lord of The Rings Sketchbook" by Alan Lee
Author: Alan Lee - book illustrator and movie conceptual artist/designer.
Of interest to: Lord of the Rings fans and artists/anyone interested in some insights of book illustration.
Book content: The book layout is like looking through an artists sketchbook containing quick pencil sketches, full detailed drawings, some fully finished coloured paintings and all annotated by the artist describing the inspiration and journey each image takes from initial idea to finished artwork.
Altogether there are 150 images throughout the book that were produced for the special centenary edition of "The Lord of the Rings" books and conceptual designs related to the creation of Peter Jackson's LOTR
You are led into the sketchbook by a foreword from the actor Ian McKellen (includes sketch of him as Gandalf) who relates how Alan Lee's sketches played a part in both his suggestion to playing the part of Gandalf in the movies and introducing him Tolkien
Leading on from the foreword is an introduction from Alan Lee about how JRR Tolkien's books inspired him to become a book illustrator. This eventually leads him to being asked to provide the illustrations for the centenary edition of LOTR books to commemorate 100 years since JRR Tolkien's birth.
The rest of the book chapters and content are organised in relation to characters, peoples and places mentioned in Lord of the Rings. The annotated sketches in each chapter describes the initial inspiration and sources that helped in the creation and development towards the final product. Products ranging from book illustrations, movie backgrounds, movie sets, movie artifacts, creature and character maquettes (sculptures), etc. Included is the artist's experience on the LOTR movie production and how his work, sketches and ideas provide the raw material and inspiration that plays an important role in the many parts and products involved in creating the movie.
Add a comment